Alembic Guitars Club
Connecting => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: edwin on June 12, 2012, 09:41:57 PM
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My fellow Alembicians, I am asking for your help. My first child, Xander, was born Sunday at 8:12 AM. Both of his little lungs collapsed after he aspirated some meconium and he's been fighting for his life ever since. They put in some chest tubes and transported him to the NICU at Children's Hospital in Denver and Dawn and I finally made it down here the next day after getting her well enough to travel after 26 hours of labor.
On Sunday night, he suffered some seizures, but they put a cooling cap on him and gave him some meds and they've not returned. He'll be unconscious until late Thursday or Friday and then they'll warm him up and do an MRI and an EEG. We won't know until then how his brain function will be. He's also fighting off pneumonia, but it looks like that is coming under control. So please, send your healing energy to this little guy. I know he wants to join us all here and be happy and healthy and I know he can do it. The more energy he has behind him, the easier it might be for him. I know he's going to be a great drummer, too!
It is amazing what we all go through to get here. I am in awe of Dawn.
Edwin, with a hurting heart in Denver.
PS. Thankfully, it doesn't seem like finances will be an issue.
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Edwin,
From one father to another- prayers for health and healing for little Xander and for peace of mind and hope for you and Dawn.
Stay strong and update us when time allows.
Toby
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Edwin,
I just heard that my brother had a little scare with his newborn son, so wow, hang in there, I know I'm a basket case when my cat gets sick so a child...well, I guess that's among the reasons I got fixed so I wouldn't have to deal with it...
My thoughts are with you and remember that babies are resilient, as they're still mostly stem cells and they heal a LOT better than we do...
Crap, I wish I could hug your crisis away or help but I'm a long ways away...just remember that you have friends and allies here...Tony
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There is nothing worse than a sick child. Praying for complete healing for Xander, for wisdom for the doctors who are treating him, & for strength for you & Dawn!
Rusty
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Xander, Dawn and Edwin,
My prayers and those of my family are with Xander you and your wife.
May God bless your family and may His love surround you all.
I send my thoughts and energies across the waves to fall at Xanders feet.
I hope the healing power of all your bretheren here raises Xander to good health.
May the Angels protect him from any harm and breathe
their life and love giving energies into this innocent little one.
slawie
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((((((((((XANDER))))))))))
Hang in there, Edwin. I can only imagine how you and Dawn are feeling right now.....
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Hang in there. Much love sent from the Ford family to yours..
John
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Sending healing energy to Xander, and love to the three of you.
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Edwin: Consider my positive vibrations and healing energy DOUBLE, from this side of the currently not-so-sunny Caribbean, since we have the nice coincidence of also sharing in Gearslutz at the Let's do it again thread. So... double forumite fellowship, and also a fellow Alembician! My best wishes for little Xander, for you and Dawn!
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Edwin,
My thoughts are with you and your family. You'll all be in my prayers.
MIke
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Edwin.
We had a scare when our son was born so I have some idea of what you're going through. Our thoughts and prayers will be with youthrough this difficult time.
Graeme
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Edwin, Love and prayers to Xander and the family. Art
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Hang in there, Edwin; much positive energy - we'll be thinking of little else all day!
Peter
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Healing enery...comforting vibes...for you, Dawn, and Xander ~~~
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Edwin:
Positive vibes & good thoughts from the left coast. Your situation certainly puts the trials and tribulations of having a 17 year old in perspective. May you be experiencing the same problems 17 years from now.
Bill, tgo
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Our Prayers and thoughts go out to you.
VMG
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We gathered up a good heap of positive energy and sent it over to you three.
((((((Xander)))))
(((((Dawn))))))
(((((Edwin)))))
Hopefully the febrile seizures were just from fever, and it sounds like they might have been if the cooling is working to keep them at bay. That's a really good thing!
Thank you for reaching out - I know I'm not alone in think of Alembic as my extended family.
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Hoping for the best for all three of you.
Kent
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All my best to the three of you.
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Sending a heap and a half of positive energy westward to Xander and family.
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The same as all the rest...
T
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Prayers and Peace for Xander and his family. May the 4 winds guide him home.
Pete
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You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Edwin , I send my deepest positive reflections and healing manifestations and vibes towards the best results.
Wolf
(((( Wellness))))
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Sending prayers and good wishes.
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Edwin,
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I remember when my son was born six weeks premature. He was rushed to another hospital, and spent ten days in the neonatal intensive care unit. That was almost nineteen years ago, and today he is 6'-3 tall and weighs about 280 Lbs. Angels do look out for the helpless.
Regards,
Pete
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Hey Edwin, although we don't know each other, we're definitely brothers in this together. Both of our kids were preemies - one 10 weeks early and a hair over 3 pounds (my son nearly 15 and playing the bass right now) and my daughter at 6 weeks and 4 pounds (almost 13 and into ballet). Thank God for the doctors and especially the nurses. They were really experienced and loved caring for the smallest and most helpless. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and you family and most especially Xander.
Stephen
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Thanks for all the love and healing vibes. They just took off the cooling cap, so this is go time, as it were. As he warms up, we'll be monitoring his brain function and praying for no more seizures. I'll keep everyone posted.
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Thanks for the update Edwin. We're all holding him in our hearts.
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Edwin,
I hope this doesn't sound too strange, but thank you for sharing this with us and for the opportunity to pray for you, Dawn and Xander. Prayers sent.
Mike
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All my prayers and good vibes are with you and yours Edwin!!! Get well Xander. All the love for you little one! Bear
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Edwin we all have our thoughts with Xander. Be strong my friend...
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My thoughts are with you all Edwin, babies are extremely resilient little people, it seems they can fight and survive when most adults give up.
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I'm with Terry: Newborns are just loaded with all that good stuff in megadoses from their mothers, they can really hang on and survive and thrive. Here's praying for a great outcome, and we're all gonna worry ourselves about this, so keep us informed as you can.
J o e y
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I'm sad to report that after Xander warmed up last night, the seizures started up again. He's on phenobarbital, which seems to have it under control. At 3:45, he will have an MRI, but shortly before that, they are going to do another chest x-ray to see if they can pull out the chest tubes. If they can, that would be great. At this point, they are clamped off, so it appears that his lungs are indeed healing. So, after the MRI, they can stop the fentenyl drip, which will only be in place to keep him still for the MRI. This will tell us if there is any discernible damage to his tiny little brain.
After the MRI, he'll get an EEG cap, with a ton of electrodes (sort of like a 20 pickup Alembic!) and then they can measure where abnormal actively is coming from.
Neither of these tests, while useful, are able to tell us anything definitive. I've been hearing about kids who go through this and then hit their milestones. He's not the worst they've seen, but there's really no way to tell if epilepsy or cerebral palsy is being kept at bay. All we can do is pray.
It's been a tearful day, I'll check in when I can.
Thanks so much for all the love and support.
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/133552.jpg)
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PS. The breathing tube will hopefully come out after the MRI, too! His pulse and blood pressure are both improving.
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Sending more healing energy to Xander.
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All our best Edwin. we are thinking of all three of you and hope for a quick recovery!!! Much love, brother.
Nick
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Your all in my thoughts and heart,
((((((Xander))))))
with love
Elwood
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Edwin - times like these are certainly trying.
. . like a 20 pickup Alembic . . tells me that you are putting on your bravest face. I applaud you.
We will continue the outpouring of positive thoughts for Xander here in Milwaukee.
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Lots of love.
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Come on little dude you can do it!!!!! My heart aches for you guys. Please know we are throwin some serious good energy towards Children's Hospital. Stay strong.
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20 pick up Alembic Edwin laughing at the face of adversity..You deserve a medal mate!
Plenty of strength coming from Teesside in the UK.
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(((((((((((((((Healing Energy and Positive Vibrations to little Xander!))))))))))))))))))
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Come on Little One! There's an Alembic with Xander written all over it! I just KNOW it!
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Xander appears to be a fighter. Keep the faith and keep providing that loving physical touch (it really does help).
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Edwin, my mother has epilepsy & has been on phenobarbital most of her life. She is 70 now & hasn't had a seizure in over 30 years, so even if Xander has to take medication, he can still live a normal, happy life! Still praying for a complete healing with no lasting effects!
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Edwin, my wife and I have been fallowing on Facebook, but I thought I'd add my thoughts, and prayers, good vibes and compassion,and whatever else I can.Times like these, even the well wishes of strangers are surely welcome, and helpful. We are all connected, one family.
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You are in our prayers Edwin.
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Really, really rootin' for little Xander. Stay stay strong Edwin.
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More progress! No breathing tube, no chest tubes and look!
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/133662.jpg)
We're not out of the woods yet. The EEG just got hooked up and we haven't gotten the MRI results yet aside from the fact that they did find some areas of concern. However, the amount of support that we've gotten has been simply amazing. Facebook has exploded with comments, prayers and healing vibes.
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Fantastic!!!
Prayers for healthy mind and body for Xander are still being sent. Thanks for the update Edwin
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SWEET!
Moving in the right direction.
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Xander and mom look terrific; that is a mood changing, positive sight. Keep your cautious optimism, and we will all continue to pray and send good vibes on your family's behalf! Enjoy Father's Day, hopefully it will be a little bit less stressful.
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Beautiful! Healing powers continue towards Xander, along with love for you and yours. Thanks for keeping us posted Edwin.
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If there is anything in this world more beautiful than glow on the face of a new mother with her child, I have yet to see it! Hope things continue to progress, Edwin. Florence sends her best, as well.
Peter
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I know it is never easy to go through something like this. Good to hear there has been some improvement. Your in our thoughts.
Keith
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Great news!!!!!That little guy is tougher than us all..jeeze who would arm wrestle with him!!
Hope all the tests turn out positive for you all
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Nice pic!!!
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Yeah Buddy you go!!!!!!! Rootin for ya BIG TIME!!!
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What a fantastic way to end my day!
yes, Yes, YES!!!
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Edwin, it has got to be one hell of a roller coaster for you and Dawn right now, but in short time I'm praying that you'll all be home safe enjoying life's greatest treasure..... (((((((((FAMILY)))))))))
Wishing you all the best!!!!!!
-Mike
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Oh, joy!
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Xander, you, and your wife are in my prayers. Hang in there!
Eric
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Continuing to lift up prayers for you guys.
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Sending continued prayers and positive wishes.
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Well, the little guy is still progressing by leaps and bounds. He's now almost completely converted over to breast milk direct from mama. I have a feeling we'll be heading home in a few days.
I have to say he's one bright kid. They did a developmental assessment; how he focuses, use of his hands, hearing, etc. and he passed every test with flying colors. I realize that I've been a bit slack with updates, but the long and short of it is that his EEG showed no signs of seizure activity (or even the precursors) and they are now not certain that the MRI showed signs of damage or not. Given his stellar reviews by therapists physical, occupational and speech (I guess he has trouble with adverbs and there might be an issue at work! JK), I think the thought is that he's a healthy, intelligent baby, even advanced in some ways.
From my perspective, it even seems like he's learning to imitate. After his dinner tonight, I laid him down on Dawn's chest and then kissed Dawn's shoulder. He watched me and then turned his head to face Dawn and put his lips to her skin. I did it again and so did he. I'm not saying it's not coincidence, but I'm certainly not saying it is!
He also seems very serious. I know he's been to the abyss and stared it down. I have a feeling he's going to be a very empathetic person.
The doctor who saved his life in Boulder stopped by. He had been at a conference in New York since right after treating Xander and on his return came straight from the airport. He told us that he was amazed to find that Xander had survived. He told he was the sickest kid he'd ever seen from the delivery room at BCH in more than 20 years of being a doctor. We also ran into some of the Flight For Life people. We thanked them, even though they didn't do the transport and when we said we were from Boulder, they knew who we were. I guess his story has traveled around the health care people around here. They were also very glad to hear how well he's doing.
We are soooooo blessed!
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PS.
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/134134.jpg)
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Fantastic news! Thanks for the update.
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Amazing!
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This is GREAT news Edwin. It's certainly brightened up a dreary day in edinburgh. be sure to send love and best wishes to dawn and Xander from across the pond.
Graeme
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Fantastic news to hear!!!
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Thank You for sharing your Families amazing chapter for Life. I never met you Edwin, but I wish you and yours Great health in your journeys to come. Rock on little Xander!!!
Peace
Pete
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That is such good news!
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Good to hear things are better.
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A true miracle!
This little one is loved by so many here.
Edwin and Dawn and Xander, God bless you all.
slawie
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So glad to hear of the tremendous progress! And that home is just days away.
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YES!!!!!!!!!!
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Very, very happy for you guys, Edwin.
Will keep you guys in our prayers here- thanks for the update.
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There is so much beauty and joy in helping to mold your child's life and world view. I wish for many continued blessings for you, Dawn and Xander.
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So glad to hear that everything has worked out for you guys. Just goes to show how resilient little ones can be. Of course the next question is...are you going to raise him as a another bassist or a guitarist (to accompany you..though dueling bassists isn't a bad idea either).
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YAY!!! B R A V O X A N D E R ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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Drummer!
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Wow! Wonderful news!
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Even better news today!
Here's what I posted on Facebook:
Xander Update 6/21/12 AM
Free Xander!
Today he gets to feed ad lib which means that he can sleep as long as he wants and eat when he wants as long as he gets a certain amount of food every 12 hours.
Not only that, he gets his last IV out, leaving only the heartbeat, respiration and blood oxygen monitors on him.
Finally, he gets to wear real clothes! I know he's enjoyed being nature boy all this time, but it will certainly enhance his photogenic nature.
There are more photos at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151026146969134.479361.762139133&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151026146969134.479361.762139133&type=3). This should be open to the public.
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Joy!
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Thank God that he has allowed this litle one to stay with us ! But I'll tell you this . . . . somehow when I saw that picture of him with his Mom, I just knew this was going to work out. I don't know why, but I felt it. Who knows about these things . . . . It's amazing how the 'close calls' we have in this life have a way of instantly teaching us what's important, and just how much of the things we worry ourselves silly about don't really matter much at all in the grand scheme of things.
My very best to you all, Edwin. In this tough old world, I just LOVE happy endings.
J o e y
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That's beautiful - the picture and the news.
:-D
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Edwin,
I am very happy to read these great news!
There is a god......
Oliver (Spyderman)
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Edwin...getting better everyday, great to hear.
I guess Joey is right on that, who gives a damn if the car won't start, it's not the end of the world for gods sake!
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Funny you should mention the car. After we got home from the hospital on the 11th to get ready for the trip to Denver, we discovered our kitchen sink was clogged. Then, we got in the car and the check engine light went on. The next day, we used Dawn's car which developed a frightening shimmy on the front end. It all worked out, but it sure felt we couldn't catch a break there for a while.
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Go Xander, go!!!
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Simply amazing!!!!!
Now that you're out of the woods, best start banking sleep~ best advice I was given when my daughter was born!!!!
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Edwin:
That's quite a head of hair. I think you may have a little rocker!
Bill, tgo
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Or could be cool long haired jazzer!
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Shouldn't he be sleeping with an Alembic? Never too soon, eh?
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Shouldn't he be sleeping with an Alembic? Never too soon, eh?
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Great news! It looks like we're coming home tomorrow!
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!!!smiles!!!
thx for the update, ...been thinking of you three.
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Great news Edwin and a beautiful picture to go with it!!.
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edwin..great news..all the best for you three.
You have one little tough guy there, wait until he is older and beating you at sports and when he says 'dad I am a better bass player than you'
Then you can smile to yourself.
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Terry, that is my dream! I'm also very happy to have someone to whom to pass on my SI and Starfire.
There is still a lurking issue of the damage they saw on his MRI, another neurologist visited who wanted to do another scan, but I'm going with fully healthy!
I don't know if people here are into astrology at all, but Dawn looked at his chart and found that, according to the stars, Xander will be a huge inspiration to people. When she saw that, on the 11th, we were both wondering how that could ever be, considering he was so sick and near the abyss, but now I see that he's off to a running start!
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Edwin,
I am SOOOO happy to hear the good news.
I hope we can meet Xander and visit you and Dawn next time we are in Boulder.
Take care.
Rich
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Edwin - my son is faster than me on the mountain bike now and is better at some things on the bass already. I was hoping he'd start playing my drums when he started playing percussion in band. Now he plays electric bass in the concert band. I don't think he has ever touched the drum set. I sure wish I had a nice set of drums when I was a kid.
Any way, I'm really glad you guys are heading home and the initial problems are over. We spent 8 weeks w/ my son in the neo-ICU. And 6 months w/ apnea problems. With love, prayer, and lots of work, miracles do happen! The two reports of improvements w/ Xander made me smile from ear to ear and my eyes tear up.
Stephen
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This just made my week, seems he's taken to inspiring people already. Funny how emotions can render you speechless. Never thought I wouldn't be able to type!
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You all must be home by now. Hooray!!!
I'll arc it up at my gig tomorrow and send a low groove
your way. I am on a bit of a high at the moment as
my youngest son has just been cleared of prostate cancer.
Miracles do happen every day
All our love to your family.
slawie (et al)
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Re; Astrological Chart---dig it!
Re; Inspiration---it has already started, my friend!
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Such great news, I am happy for you all...funny how happy endings in the movies kinda suck but in real life they're kinda crucial to going forward, at least some of the time...
Tony
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Edwin, glad to hear the good news; best of luck to you and your family...
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Just back from holidays I read this and I'm glad that all went fine. All the best Edwin!
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A couple of recent pix. The little man is doing great!
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/135611.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/135612.jpg)
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What a difference a month makes! I love a happy ending! You have a beautiful son with an amazing story Edwin! It sounds like he has become quite the inspiration in the medical circles too! I predict great things for your miracle baby!
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What a blessing. Overwhelmed with joy for you all.
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Beautiful pictures!
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Beautiful!
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Awesome!
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Great shots. He appears to be deep in thought. Perhaps a philospher in the making?
Bill, tgo
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Positively Awesome ! Yes he is deep in thought ! With all of us manifesting his welfare now he might be manifesting when Dad will let him play Bass on his Alembic ! Congratulations to all of you ___ All This manifesting might be rubbing off just a little bit _______
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What great progress. If Rodin was around he would use him as a sculpture subject.
slawie
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Well, here's a couple of shots of Xander now that he just turned 3 months. I'd say he's doing amazingly well!
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/139191.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/139192.jpg)
(http://club.alembicguitars.com/Images/449/139193.jpg)
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He's beautiful.
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he's looking great Edwin. Congrats to you all.
Graeme
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That second pic down says it all, the expression is
' I don't give in easily okay!!'
Last pic..hand position looks like he could be a sax player, then all you would need is a drummer and you have a jazz trio!
Well done to all three of you.
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I think he he's completely trusting in mom's arms in the first pic.
Mike
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After getting 3 to adulthood, it still amazes me how fast they row at that age! He's looking good - and even in the smiling pic shows the gravitas you mentioned.
Peter (who drives to Denver day after tomorrow to meet the grandson!)
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:-)) X 1,000,000,000!!!! What a way to start my day, Glad to see such a beautiful child. Way to go Edwin and Company.
-Bear
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Last picture looks like Xander is snapping his fingers - groovy! :-D
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Nice to see these pics!
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Thank you for making me smile with the pictures after a long day!!!
Glad Xander is doing well. Now the big question - Is mom and Dad getting enough sleep - LOL
Stephen
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In three months he's brought a great deal of concern and now a lot of joy to this community of ours. He's a very powerful young guy. It is so great to see how well he is doing.
Rich
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Oh yes sleep deprevation...I used to work shifts when my two were born, the only way I get some decent sleep is when it was quiet at work!!!
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We've all been fawning over these great pics of Xander. Thank you so much for sharing them.
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Thank you all for your wonderful comments and healing energy. I hope that he can meet you all sooner than later. He's a serious little kid but has a lot of joy, too. It's so wonderful to know that he's got such a huge family!
Much love and gratitude from us all,
Edwin, Dawn and Xander